“Rocket Science is Easy” Urban Librarians Conference. Brooklyn, NY.
Abstract: There is a different between a complicated and a complex problems. Both are hard, but complicated problems deal with known approaches, variables, and parameters. Complex problems are full of unknowns, shifting parameters, and unanticipated connections. Getting a rocket to the moon? Complicated. Helping immigrants find their place in a community? Complex. Library science is complex as librarians must navigate the intricacies of knowledge and human behavior. This presentation presents the vital importance of librarians in the complex tasks of building communities.
“The Myths of Innovation” Georgia Virtual Staff Development Day. Web.
Abstract: Many see innovation as a sort of grand effort from a gifted few. Innovation seems characterized by the start-up, or the creative class. Yet innovation, adoption of positive change, is essential to all institutions and is actually an obligation of the professional – including the librarian. This session will examine the myths of innovation, how these myths can prevent positive change, and examples of locally grown innovation that makes a difference to librarianship.
“Librarianship: Saving The World One Community At A Time” VALA 2016. Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract: We live in uncertain times of war, protest, terrorism, economic austerity, ecological disasters, and mass surveillance. What can librarians do to help communities in such turbulent times? Lankes will discuss how a proactive librarianship can build an alternative path to the growing “security versus freedom” narrative. Librarianship can shine in times of crisis, but it requires a focus on improving society over informing customers.
Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2016/VALA.pdf
Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2016/VALA.mp3
“Librarianship in the Growing Information Domain…or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Information” University of Sydney Library’s Experts Program Series. Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Abstract: How do librarians and libraries fit in the new information landscape? How does the L fit with the I in LIS?
“The Obligation of Innovation” OLA Super Conference 2016. Toronto, ON, Canada.
Abstract: Librarians must lead their communities in innovation by example. If our libraries are to be incubators of new ideas, librarians must model creativity, adaptability, continuous learning, and leading change that makes a difference. This isn’t about apps, or looking like Silicon Valley, it is about weaving together new ideas and expertise locally. Lankes will make the case for innovation as a core attribute of librarians.
Dominican University’s Graduate School of Library and Information Science has joined the Expect More Collaboratory. GSLIS will be at the center of next year’s focus on applying the ideas of Expect More in the Chicago area. I look forward to working with Dominican and our other partners to make a real difference in how communities see libraries and librarians.
The Second Edition of Expect More: Demanding Better Libraries For Today’s Complex World is now available for purchase (Expect More Collaboratory Members receive free copies).
If you are interested in bulk discounts please contact me at [email protected]
Thanks to all the Collaboratory partners for their help. Keep an eye out for Greater Expectations, the Expect More Workbook for engaging your community in conversations.
Here is a brief Changelog to highlight major changes:
Introduction
Changed the acknowledgements to recognize Expect More Collaboratory partners
Chapter 1
Revised estimated expenditures of libraries in North America and Globally. First edition grossly underestimated them.
Added OCLC examples of library usage.
Added Ferguson, Calgary, an NYC examples
Chapter 2
Added “Third Space” as a core argument for libraries.
Included examples like Toronto’s study pods and Fairfield’s treehouse themed children’s library.
Updated journal and database figures
Added Canadian statistics for literacy
Added StoryCorp and DPLA examples for Cultural Heritage
Added Toronto, Cuyahoga, and DC examples of supporting entrepreneurs
Chapter 3
Updated a lot of URL’s and mission statements.
Chapter 4
Added more examples in the training section
Added the Lebanon, NH Tor case as an example of protecting intellectual safety.
Chapter 5
Added discussion of how communities must share limited resources and how that can lead to conflict.
Added a discussion of hot spot lending
Chapter 6
Updated examples
Incorporated Aspen Report’s People, Platform, Place
